Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Long-term tolerability of tramadol LP, a new once-daily formulation, in patients with osteoarthritis or low back pain.
Tramadol hydrochloride is a centrally acting analgesic, which possesses opioid agonist properties and activates monoaminergic spinal inhibition of pain. An oral, once a day, sustained release formulation of tramadol is thought to be advantageous compared with immediate release preparations as it prevents plasma peaks associated with increased side-effects of the drug. It may also improve compliance. The purpose of the study was to assess the long-term safety of a new sustained-release formulation of tramadol (tramadol LP) in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis and in patients with refractory low back pain. ⋯ Long-term treatment with tramadol LP once daily is generally safe in patients with osteoarthritis or refractory low back pain.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of the effect of aminophylline and low PEEP vs. high PEEP on EGF concentration in critically ill patients with ALI/ARDS.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a serious, often fatal, condition, despite progress in modern critical care treatment. Cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of the syndrome, although their roles in the evaluation and outcome have not been clearly elucidated yet. ⋯ Beneficial effects of mechanical ventilation and aminophylline on APACHE Pi score and PaO2/FiO2 influence serum EGF levels. These findings may have relevance to the development of multisystem organ failure.
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To review the available literature pertaining to amantadine as therapy for improving cognition and reducing agitation following a non-penetrating traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ Amantadine is a reasonable option for improving cognition and reducing agitation following a TBI but confirmatory evidence of the efficacy the drug is necessary.